Wallan Football Netball Club Senior football team is ready for another big run at the RDFNL premiership.
The Pies went down to Broadford in the Second Elimination Final last year in a game played at a great intensity. They will be eager to improve on that finish last year.
Unfortunately for the club, it is unable to field an A Grade netball team.
The girls in the remaining grades will strive hard this season to be successful and build towards forming an established A Grade team in 2018.
Football
Dan Nolan resumes his role as Senior coach of the club. Nolan is in his second season and while not only a handy coach, he is very handy up forward. He kicked six goals in the final against Broadford, for a total of 41 and also played Interleague for the RDFNL.
The squad has trained well over the pre-season with an average of 75 players attending each training session night across all three grades.
"We have been working hard on creating a strong culture, which is the key to success," Nolan says.
With the help of the committee, led by president Steve Sheppard, the Pies have quality depth in its Under 18.5s and Reserves teams as the club units to be successful this year.
The pre-season has been positive. The club saluted a four-goal win over Westmeadows, 10-goal win over Kilmore, 16-goal win over Heathcote and three-goal win over South Morang. Four great performances to head into round one against Macedon full of confidence.
The club will be without the services of Dale Keenan and George Sanderson. It gains Jesse Davies, Alex Loizou, Chris and Ciaran Barton, Heath McKerchar and Tim Robertson. This depth is invaluable.
It is expecting to play finals this year and even opposition clubs expect them to contend for the flag.
Of the young stars coming through, Corey Grindlay, Nathan Fowler, Michael Tobacco and Tom Knight have been identified as players to watch for the future. Grindlay kicked a goal and was one of the best players in the final last year. The remaining trio have all shown tremendous talent.
Players to impress over the off-season include recruit Jesse Davies, Dan Mackertich, Todd Muldoon, Shaun Stewart and Josh Barber. Nolan highlights that this group has really impressed in the off-season.
Nolan is looking forward to the competition that presents itself in 2017.
"It's a very even competition which is great for the RDFNL," Nolan says.
"Every game is a challenge which is exciting. Obviously Diggers, Riddell and Macedon will be up there again."
"No doubt we have a tough draw in 2017, especially with the first two rounds against Macedon and Riddell but the boys are ready and will be very competitive."
Last Modified on 03/04/2017 18:45